England announces a new squad to face Pakistan after COVID-19 cases

The England cricket team had a massive blow ahead of the upcoming series against Pakistan. It is known that three England players and four members of the staff have tested positive for coronavirus. All other squad members have been asked to isolate themselves. The series against Pakistan will go ahead as scheduled but with an entirely new England team. 

Ben Stokes to lead the squad against Pakistan

The English cricket board has not disclosed the players infected with covid-19. However, they have clearly mentioned that the ongoing Vitality T20 Blast and the forthcoming limited-overs series against Pakistan will go as planned. Ben Stokes is going to be leading the squad against Pakistan, which is set to be announced on Tuesday.

Ben Stokes has been out of international cricket for quite some time. He sustained an injury during the first leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Chris Silverwood will return as the coach of the team. The England cricket team is scheduled to play three ODIs and 3 T20I matches against Pakistan, starting July 8. The Pakistan national team led by Babar Azam has already reached the United Kingdom. 

The new squad will allow James Vince, Ben Duckett, and Dawid Malan to make a comeback to the set-up. Dawid Malan had featured in the ODI series against India in Pune earlier this year. On the other hand, James Vince last played in the 2019 World Cup at home. Ben Duckett also last featured in an ODI way back in 2016. It will be an excellent opportunity for players to fix their spot in the team.

England squad for Pakistan ODIs

Ben Stokes (C), Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, David Payne, Phil Salt, John Simpson, James Vince.

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